Bad habits are so hard to break. I was a smoker for about 30 years and couldn't seem to break the habit no matter what I tried. Every now and then, I was able to quite for a few weeks, but then, when I started smoking again, I smoked far more than I did before I quit. It wasn't until I accepted the fact that my smoking was a real problem and reached out for professional help with quitting. I started going to counseling and learned a lot about my bad habits and why it was so hard for me to give them up. This blog is all about counseling to break bad habits.
Depression affects many people, and it's often a misunderstood mental affliction. When it comes to older adults, depression is quite common and frequently goes unrecognized. If you have a parent or loved one who you feel may be depressed, it's important to be aware of the signs. Here are some things to look out for if you're concerned about an elderly person in your life and when you should help them seek treatment.
Warning Signs
If you think your elderly parent or loved one may be depressed, one of the most common signs is that they've lost interest in hobbies and things they enjoy. Ask them how well they are sleeping and pay attention to their ability to remember things. While memory loss is normal as we age, if it's significant or seems to become a frequent issue, it may be a signal of depression. Another major sign is if the person stops doing things for themselves like regular bathing, shopping, or cleaning. Slower speech and movement as well as feelings of guilt that seem to be unexplained are other things to look for.
Common Causes
While depression can occur for many different reasons, it is often brought on by loneliness in the elderly. Make sure your loved one has a social circle of friends that they can spend time with, and encourage them to join a local senior group so they can make some friends. Other causes can include problems with their physical health such as failing eyesight, difficulties in standing and walking, and fear or anxiety about death. Many seniors have lost their friends and spouses, and over time feelings of sadness due to loss can compound and contribute to depression. Medical causes can include a lack of vitamin B12 or thyroid disorders.
What You Can Do
If you think someone you love who is of an older age may be depressed, there are some things you can do to help. First, have them get a thorough medical check-up to test their thyroid and vitamin levels. Encourage them to get more exercise, even if it just consists of a brief, daily walk. Exercise can be extremely beneficial to those who are depressed, even those who are older. Try to get them involved with a local group of people their age that they can spend more time with them if possible. Help them to prepare healthy foods so they get enough nutrients in their diet, and suggest that they get a pet if possible. Pets make excellent companions and are also a good tool that can help with depression. If you're extremely concerned about their well-being, it's recommended that you help them seek mental health treatment through counseling or therapy (from professionals such as those from Dr. Stephen Brown & Associates) so they can continue to live a happier life.
Share10 March 2016
